The Jessye Norman School of the Arts has a community art garden which was initially established by Linda M. Scales. It’s been picked back up by local artist Jacob Boland this season, encouraging students to learn agricultural skills and incorporating those skills with their art, which is featured around the garden. Anyone and everyone is encouraged to stop by and assist with weeding and other general upkeep if they feel inclined. As for the policy regarding harvesting the produce, Boland says, “If it’s ripe, grab it.”
JNSA Art Garden
The front of the garden has a little free library, which you may recognize from one of my earlier stories focusing on these structures scattered around the CSRA and the globe. These are intended to encourage communities to engage more with literature through easy access.
Do-It-Yourself
The garden is constructed with some repurposed materials such as this pallet, encouraging the students to use things found in their surroundings as opposed to buying new.
Herb Garden
The garden has a section dedicated to various herbs. Again, visitors are welcome to take clippings of herbs if they desire. Art by both Boland and the art students adorns the cinder blocks that encase the garden.
Magnolia
There is a small magnolia tree with a sign noting that it was planted “In Honor Of Jessye Norman Given By Western Connecticut State University.”
Tomatoes
Most of the cucumbers have already been harvested, and the tomatoes are well on their way to ripening.
St. Julian Cox, III is a photojournalist for The Augusta Press. Reach him at saintjulianc@gmail.com.
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